Parashat Ki Tisa: Embracing the Scent of Diversity

Parashat Ki Tisa is filled with meticulous instructions regarding the sacred elements of the Mishkan—the priestly garments, the breastplate, the incense, and the sacrifices. Each detail is significant, laden with symbolic meaning. Among these, the ketoret, the incense offering, stands out not only for its fragrance but also for its message about the essence of community and the necessity of embracing all voices within it.

The ketoret was a precise blend of eleven spices, carefully measured and combined. One of these ingredients was chelbenah—an element known for its foul odor. It seems counterintuitive to include something malodorous in an offering meant to produce a pleasing fragrance. Yet, the Sages teach us that without the chelbenah, the incense would be incomplete.

Why include something unpleasant? The answer is both profound and deeply relevant today. The ketoret is a metaphor for society. Just as the incense requires all of its ingredients, including the chelbenah, so too must our communities include all voices—even those that we may find extreme, unpleasant, or difficult to tolerate. The diversity of thought strengthens us, just as the full blend of spices creates the most potent fragrance.

In today's world—whether in Israel, the United States, or beyond—public discourse is often polarized. We are tempted to dismiss or silence voices that challenge us. But Parashat Ki Tisa reminds us that true unity is not about uniformity אחדות ולא אחידות. It is about the ability to coexist, to include differing perspectives, and to acknowledge that even those with whom we disagree contribute to the richness of our society.

As Rabbi Nissim ben Reuven Girondi (Har"an ,הר"ן) insightfully teaches, "Even though each individual on their own may not seem worthy, when they join together with others, the collective achieves greatness beyond the sum of its parts." The chelbenah does not diminish the incense—it enhances it. Likewise, those who hold different opinions, even the most extreme among them, push us to think, to clarify our values, and to grow.

Janusz Korczak, the great educator and philosopher, once wrote: “Only the shallow-minded wish for all people to be the same. The wise rejoice in diversity.” His words echo the Torah’s lesson: a strong, vibrant society is one that embraces pluralism, that welcomes debate, and that learns from every voice.

As we stand in times of challenge and division, let us remember the lesson of the ketoret. Let us not seek to silence or exclude, but rather to build a society where all voices can be heard, where differing views refine and strengthen us, and where, together, we create a fragrance that is both rich and complete.

Shabbat Shalom.

For the Advanced Thinkers:

The philosopher Karl Popper introduced the "Paradox of Tolerance," which challenges us to consider: if a society is completely tolerant, should it tolerate intolerance? Popper argues that unlimited tolerance may ultimately lead to the destruction of tolerance itself—if we allow intolerant ideologies to flourish unchecked, they may suppress other voices entirely. This paradox presents a critical dilemma: while we must embrace a diversity of opinions, we must also be cautious about voices that seek to eliminate that very diversity. Ask yourself where the red line lies?

As we celebrate the inclusion of all perspectives, we must also remain vigilant. The challenge is to uphold a balance—welcoming difficult voices without allowing them to silence others. This is the true art of a pluralistic society. May we be wise enough to navigate it.

Shabbat Shalom.